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4 August 2026, 5pm – Icy roads the next challenge

While state highways around the South Island are open again after snow to low levels this morning, road users are urged to prepare for days of freezing temperatures and ice on the roads.

The cold air is expected to linger around the central and lower South Island after the snow came through, with temperatures falling well below zero in many places. This means ice forming on roads, especially inland and in sheltered places. Black ice is a particular risk because it is transparent and difficult to spot.

Those travelling late at night or early in the mornings are most likely to encounter icy conditions. Motorists are urged to reduce their speeds, increase their following distances and avoid sudden braking or turning movements on icy roads.

Contractors for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will be out laying grit or anti-icing agents on the state highways to reduce the ice risk and help road users safe.

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4 August 2026, 12pm – SH1 reopened in Otago

State Highway 1 between Pine Hill and Waitati in Otago has reopened after a snow closure earlier today.

People are asked to travel with care in the current weather conditions, with a MetService road snowfall warning still in place in this area until 1pm.

State Highway 87 from Outram to Middlemarch in Otago is the only remaining state highway closure in the South Island due to snow..

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4 August 2026, 11.10am – SH85 reopened in Otago

State Highway 85 between Kyeburn and Morrisons in Otago has reopened following a snow closure.

Road users are advised to travel with extra care given that winter driving conditions still exist.

The following state highway closures remain, due to snow:

• State Highway 87 from Outram to Middlemarch, Otago
• State Highway 1 between Pine Hill and Waitati, Otago

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4 August 2026, 10.30am – SH75 in Canterbury reopened

State Highway 75 between Duvauchelle and Little River on Banks Peninsula has reopened after a snow closure, but road users are being urged to take extra care on this route.

Snow continues to fall in parts of Canterbury, but all of the state highways in the region are now open.

In Otago, the following closures remain:

• State Highway 85 between Kyeburn and Morrisons, Otago
• State Highway 87 from Outram to Middlemarch, Otago
• State Highway 1 between Pine Hill and Waitati, Otago

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4 August 2026, 9.15am – Snow closures reduced

State Highway 1/Dunedin Southern Motorway, between Caversham Road (southbound) and south of Mornington Road (northbound), has reopened after a snow closure this morning.

The existing closure on Canterbury’s State Highway 75 is now between Duvauchelle and Little River (previously Duvauchelle to Tai Tapu).

The following also remain closed:

• State Highway 85 between Kyeburn and Morrisons, Otago
• State Highway 87 from Outram to Middlemarch, Otago
• State Highway 1 between Pine Hill and Waitati, Otago

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4 August 2026, 8am – Several highways closed by snow

A number of state highways are closed this morning as forecast snow has swept up the east of the South Island.

The closures are as follows:

• State Highway 75 between Duvauchelle and Tai Tapu, Canterbury
• State Highway 85 between Kyeburn and Morrisons, Otago
• State Highway 87 from Outram to Middlemarch, Otago
• State Highway 1 between Pine Hill and Waitati, Otago
• State Highway 1/Dunedin Southern Motorway, is closed between Caversham Road (southbound) and south of Mornington Road (northbound)

Road users are urged to avoid these areas where highways are closed and to delay their travel if possible.

State Highway 73 from Springfield to Arthur’s Pass is closed to towing vehicles and snow chains are required.

With various other road warnings in place due to the weather conditions, people are asked to take extra care generally on the roads.  

Further updates will be provided through the day.

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3 August 2026, 8pm – Snow closes SH87 in Otago

State Highway 87 between Outram and Middlemarch in Otago has been closed because of snow.

People are asked to avoid the area or consider delaying their travel. Care is also being urged when travelling on State Highways 1 and 85 in Otago because of winter driving conditions.

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3 August 2026, 4.40pm – Road users warned of snow to low levels

Even motorists in the cities may experience driving through some snow tomorrow as temperatures plunge and forecasts suggest flurries to low levels in the South Island. 

People are being urged to take extra care on the roads even if snow does not accumulate at significant levels on the ground.

MetService says people should check the snow level in their regional forecasts to prepare if they are going to be driving, particularly in Dunedin and Christchurch on Tuesday morning, and to keep up with any updates on road conditions from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and local councils or emergency management.

Further inland, MetService has Road Snowfall Warnings in place for the Lewis Pass (State Highway 7), with up to 7cm predicted to accumulate at the summit from 10am tomorrow, and about 1cm near the summit of Porters Pass (State Highway 73).

Dunedin to Waitati Highway (State Highway 1) could see up to 4cm or more above 200m, and lesser amounts closer to sea level, from tonight.

Separate forecasts supplied to NZTA suggest up to 5cm of snow could accumulate above 300m on State Highway 75 to Banks Peninsula, along with lesser amounts in North Canterbury.

NZTA and its contractors will be monitoring the state highways and will be ready to clear snow from the roads, and to close or restrict travel on state highways where necessary. Road users heading inland are encouraged to plan ahead by checking the weather and roading conditions, and to carry warm clothing, food and water with them in case of travel delays or detours.

In winter driving conditions where traction is affected, motorists are urged to reduce their speeds, increase their following distances, and avoid sudden braking or turning movements and to stay as visible as possible.

Following snowfalls tomorrow, frosty mornings and icy road conditions are forecast from Wednesday.